A coalition of members of the Church of England in the Diocese of Chelmsford drawn from across the Anglo-Catholic, Charismatic and Evangelical traditions.
This is a news blog, covering matters of general interest to Mainstream Anglicans, as well as the current crisis in the Anglican Communion.
Maintained by Revd John Richardson

Saturday, 17 May 2008

NHS doctors are refusing to carry out late abortions, forcing hospitals to contract them out to private clinics and charities.

Growing moral objections mean three-quarters of the 7,000 terminations performed after 17 weeks of pregnancy each year are outside the Health Service.

The revelation comes as MPs prepare to vote on maintaining the 24-week upper limit for "social" abortions in the biggest Parliamentary battle on the issue for two decades.

Experts say late abortions are still provided by the NHS for foetal abnormalities but most of those approved on "social" grounds are referred outside.

Consultant gynaecologist Vincent Argent said there was "marked reluctance" among NHS staff to carry them out.

He said: "This isn't the result of childish squeamishness, these are healthcare professionals trained in with any sort of medicalsituation. But late abortions conflict with everything doctors and nurses are trained to do - preserve life." Read moreNo comments will be posted without a full name and location, see the policy.